💆 Neck — Exercises Studied in Research
Real findings from published clinical studies. Not opinions, not ads — just what researchers actually found, with the evidence behind each approach.
Compiled and reviewed by: Milena Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Nikola Orlandić — Licensed Physiotherapist — Specialist in Applied Physiotherapy (Neurorehabilitation) · Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Technology
Evidence last updated:
Does it work? — what research found
Every approach studied for conditions in this area, sorted by where clinical guidelines stand — not by popularity. Open a condition below for its own evidence summary. Full details and dosing are part of the complete review.
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Exercise Programyou can do this at homeStudies: 8 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 8 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | Evidence supports it |
| Isometric / Resistance Neck Exercisesyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | Evidence supports it |
| Biofeedbackdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 1 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Evidence supports it |
| Chin Tucks / Deep Cervical Flexor Trainingyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 1 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Evidence supports it |
| Scapular Stabilization Exercisedone with a specialistStudies: 4 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 4 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Evidence supports it |
| Cervical Mobilisation (Grade I-IV)done with a specialistStudies: 10 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 10 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | May help |
| Cervical Manipulation (HVLA)done with a specialistStudies: 3 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | May help |
| Myofascial Release / Trigger Point Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 1 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Neck Stretching (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, SCM)you can do this at homeStudies: 3 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | May help |
| NSAIDsdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 1 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | May helpdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Patient Educationyou can do this at homeStudies: seven randomized, controlled trials · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | seven randomized, controlled trials | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | May help |
| Aerobic Exercise (Walking, Cycling)you can do this at homeStudies: six studies · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | six studies | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | May help |
Show all 42 approaches ↓
| Approach | Studies | Reviewed by | What science says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)done with a specialistStudies: 2 study · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 2 study | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | May help |
| Postural Correction / Ergonomic Adviceyou can do this at homeStudies: one trial · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) | one trial | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) | May help |
| Self-Management Strategiesyou can do this at homeStudies: 1 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 1 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | May help |
| Endurance Trainingdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 2 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | May help |
| Electroacupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Oculomotor & Gaze-Stability Exercisesdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Tactile Discrimination Training (TDT)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | May help |
| Superficial Heat Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 1 | OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury ManagementGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | Not enough research yet |
| Dry Needlingdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Kinesiotapingdone with a specialistStudies: 3 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain), Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain)Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Progressive Muscle Relaxationyou can do this at homeStudies: 3 · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +1 | 3 | OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury ManagementGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +1 | Not enough research yet |
| Pilatesyou can do this at homeStudies: 7 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 7 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Not enough research yet |
| Tai Chiyou can do this at homeStudies: 2 · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | 2 | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Not enough research yet |
| Yoga for Neck Painyou can do this at homeStudies: N = 10 (10) · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | N = 10 (10) | Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) | Not enough research yet |
| BEMER Therapy (Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Regulation)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Curcumin / Turmeric Extractdone with a specialistStudies: 30 RCTs total (OA subset not separately enumerated in text) · not yet reviewed | 30 RCTs total (OA subset not separately enumerated in text) | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Osteopathic Manipulation (OMT)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · not yet reviewed | 1 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Phonophoresisdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · not yet reviewed | 2 | not yet reviewed | Not enough research yet |
| Cervical Tractiondone with a specialistStudies: 5 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | 5 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainOPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Electrical Muscle Stimulation (NMES)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | 1 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainOPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | Science does not support it |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | 1 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainOPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| TENSdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | 1 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainOPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +3 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Acupuncturedone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 1 | OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury ManagementGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Cervical Collar / Orthosisdone with a specialistStudies: 1 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +2 | 1 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainOPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management +2 | Science does not support it |
| Massage Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 1 · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 1 | OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury ManagementGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Therapeutic Ultrasounddone with a specialistStudies: 3 · KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain, Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | 3 | KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck PainGross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) +2 | Science does not support itdepends on the stage of recovery |
| Interferential Current Therapydone with a specialistStudies: 4 · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 4 | El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | Science does not support it |
| Iontophoresisdone with a specialistStudies: 2 · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 2 | El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | Science does not support it |
| Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)done with a specialistStudies: 1 · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 1 | El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | Science does not support it |
| Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)done with a specialistStudies: 1 (current RCT); systematic review evaluated 20 trials · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | 1 (current RCT); systematic review evaluated 20 trials | El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG) | Science does not support it |
Conditions in this area
Conditions in this area with published evidence — pick one to see what studies describe.
What science does not support
These approaches are widely offered, but published research found they do not help for at least one condition in this area. Listed so you know — not as advice about any individual case.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation (NMES)Not supported by research
KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain) · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
- Cervical Collar / OrthosisNot supported by research
KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain · OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management · Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain) · El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
- Interferential Current TherapyNot supported by research
El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
- IontophoresisNot supported by research
El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
- Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)Not supported by research
El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)Not supported by research
El-Allawy 2025 (Nonspecific Neck Pain CPG)
Whether any of this applies to your situation is something your physiotherapist or doctor can assess after examining you.
Frequently asked
What works for Neck according to research?
Research supports: General Exercise Program, Isometric / Resistance Neck Exercises, Biofeedback, Chin Tucks / Deep Cervical Flexor Training, Scapular Stabilization Exercise. Based on KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain; Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain); Gross 2015 Cochrane (Manipulation for Neck Pain).
What does not work for Neck according to research?
Research found no benefit from routine use of: Electrical Muscle Stimulation (NMES), Cervical Collar / Orthosis, Interferential Current Therapy, Iontophoresis, Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF). Based on KNGF 2017 (Bier) — Dutch CPG for Nonspecific Neck Pain; OPTIMa 2016 (Cote) — Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management; Gross 2015 Cochrane (Exercise for Neck Pain).
How much research is this based on?
For Neck, 42 approaches were evaluated, of which 35 have been reviewed by research bodies. Every data point traces to a published source.
Educational Information — PhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.
